Village Games' Blog

A STUNNING REVERSAL

We played another game of Blitzkrieg Commander the other day in 15mmm. This is fast becoming our favorite set of WW II rules.

The setting was France, August '44. I was the Germans along with Adam. Chris and Robb were the Americans, who were tasked with taking an important crossroads. The Germans were rushing forward to mount a hasty defense and retain the crossroads.

The first few turns everything that could go wrong for the Germans did (failed command rolls, command blunders, etc.). The Americans were making excellent headway so the battle figured to be over quickly.

Here is the American onslaught:



Then Adam had to leave (not to pin this on you Adam! ) and everything turned around for the Germans. Their dice greatly improved, the allies lost their excellent dice rolling and the tide turned. In the end the Germans were able to barely hang on to the objective and win the game.

Here is the battle around the objective:



And in the final turns:



All in all it was an enjoyable game. Personally though, I have to remember how BKC is unlike other games in that even if you have a bad run of turns, the game isn't neccesarily over. It is ultimately a resource management game rather than a dice fest, so despite bad rolls you almost always still have a chance to win the game!

A CALL FOR MORE MINIATURES PLAYERS

We have a core group of people who are playing the games I post in the blog, but we are always looking for more players - and games.

Currently I am finishing 2 DBA armies (one Crusader, one Saracen), I will be starting a 10mm Warmaster Ancients army (probably Egyptian), I am planning my General Quaters 3 Fleet (WW II naval miniatures), adding to my Federation Commander (Star Trek ship combat) fleet, and I am starting my modern air combat armada (in 1/300 scale).

In addition, I am working on a 6mm micro armor Afrika Corp force for BKC, as well as additional German and American stuff in 15mm. Also, with the new sister game to BKC - Cold War Commander for moderns - coming out I am starting a 10mm Vietnam force, 10mm current what-if force for the US, and 6mm micro armor cold war what-if forces.

If any of the above periods appeal to you, or there is another period or ruleset you enjoy, stop by the store and share with us. We would love to add more faces to the crowd - as that only adds more color and fun - and learn more fun games.

I say all of this knowing that we sell a lot of miniatures, but we don't get that many players coming to the shop to play these games. So if you are out there and reading this, stop by the store and give us a try. I can almost guarantee you'll have a good time!

FINAL NOTE

I suppose I would be remiss in not mentioning the stupenduous game of Conquest of the Empire we played last week - especially after it cost me a lot of sleep.

CotE is a massive board game from the now defunt Eagle Games. It is rife with allegiances, treachery, and raw conquest. Matt, Gabriel, Chris, Robb and I had such a great game going we played until almost 3 am (obviously we after the shop closed and I had to be back early the next day).

In the end it came down to Chris and I with the only Ceasers left to rule the empire. After Matt's massive military build-up and his impromptu allegiance with Chris, I knew I was doomed. My allies provided valiant attempts at assistance but it was for naught as I was crushed by Chris on the field of battle.

All-in-all an excellent game which I can't wait to play again soon!

Well, that is all for this time folk. Untill next time...

Dan

We played another great game of BKC the other day. This time it was in 15mm, with a heavy emphsis on infantry.

An understrength American infantry battalion, with tank support, was tasked with counterattacking in this sector and seizing a farmhouse controlling a vital crossroads.

The Germans had roughly an infantry company, with a couple of tanks & anti-tank guns, to quickly move into position and blunt the American counterattack.

It was a great game with the Americans taking the day, but not until after a hard fought battle. Everyone involved thoroughly enjoyed themselves - finding the game a fresh challenge being in a different scale than we usually play, and with a different emphasis (infantry).

Unfortunately, I didn't have my regular camera that day so the only picture I have isn't the best. It does give a good idea of how things ended up as it was taken late in the game. The farmhouse all of the vehicles and infantry are converging on is the objective.



Until next time - cheers!

Dan